Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children and Adolescents in the United States: Trend in Diagnosis and Use of Pharmacotherapy by Gender

• Published in: Clinical pediatrics 2012-06, Vol.51 (6), p.584-589
• Main Authors: Sclar, David A., Robison, Linda M., Bowen, Kurt A., Schmidt, Jennifer M., Castillo, Leigh V., Oganov, Ambartsum M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - epidemiology; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use; Child; Child, Preschool; Childrens health; Clinical outcomes; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug therapy; Female; Gender; Humans; Male; Pediatrics; Propylamines - therapeutic use; Sex Distribution; United States - epidemiology
• ISSN: 0009-9228; 1938-2707
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922812439621

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects an estimated 8% to 10% of children in the US and accounts for an estimated 30% to 50% of all childhood mental health referrals. Among children and adolescents, studies suggest that boys are referred for evaluation more often than girls, as the expression of the disorder in boys is often more disruptive to parents and teachers. As a result, more children, especially girls, adolescents, and adults, are being diagnosed with ADHD, treated with pharmacotherapy and treated for longer periods of time. Sclar et al determine at the national level the number and rate of office-based visits documenting a diagnosis of ADHD among children aged 5 through 18 years, in total and by gender; the extent of use of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of ADHD, in total and by gender; and population-adjusted rates in total and by gender, over the time frame 1991 through 2008.